A former college classmate has sued Ryan Braun for defamation and emotional distress, saying the Brewers slugger lied about why their friendship fell apart after a business deal went sour. The lawsuit filed in Milwaukee last month by law student Ralph Sasson says Braun’s agent hired him in 2011 to do legal research aimed at clearing Braun after the left fielder tested positive for steroid use.

Sesson says the agent later asked him to investigate the man who collected Braun’s urine, and Braun personally asked him to prank call two journalists working on a story about the failed drug test.

He says his friendship with Braun ended after Sasson demanded payment for his work.

Braun accepted a 65-game suspension last month but has yet to publicly admit to using performance-enhancing drugs.